Crimping machine



May 23, 1950 w. H. BROWNE ETAL CRIMPING MACHINE m. w m

m V D By a p mi N E d f a mi/w m W W; H. BROWNE ET AL May 23, 1950 CRIMPING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 25, 1945 T EziZErs 5 2M271!) HBFUWHE Wfifd E [Ind 3122272717 Q $0.4 M W22 i Patented May 23, 1950 CRIIVIPING MACHINE- William H. Browne and Ward E. Lindemann,

Columbus, Ohio, assignors, by mesne assignments, to Houdaille-Bershey Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application October 25, 1945, Serial No. 624,376

9 Claims.

' This invention relates to improvements in a crimping machine, and more particularly to a crimping machine highly desirable for crimping fibrous material such as vegetable fiber and the like, lengthwise of the strands, although the invention may be used for crimping metallic or plastic strands, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

- In the past, many and various types of crimpingmachines for crimping or waving various substances have been developed, but insofar as we are aware, these formerly known machines were-not as efficient or desirable in connection with the crimping of numerous strands of material simultaneously, and especially when the strands were of vegetable fiber. Further, although crimping machines heretofore known might place a'crimp in an article such as a metallic strand, they would not 'eiliciently crimp a flat mat embodyingnumerous individual strands,and in connection with vegetable fibers or plastic strands, these formerly known machines would not simultaneously heat treat the strands so as to set the crimp. In addition, these formerly known crimping machines, insofar as'we are aware, were not capable of providing a double wave or double crimp, especially in a bundle or mat oi strands, so as to provide both an up and down or vertical wave in the strands as well as a lateial wave.

With the foregoing in mind. it is an object of the instant'invention to provide a crimping machine which both formsand sets the crimps in fibers or strands. y

' Another object of the invention is the provision of a crimping machine arranged for continuous operation, especially with a substantially endless flat mat containing numerous individual strands.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a crimping machine arranged to automatically compensate for various thicknesses of material going through the machine, and thus avoid jamming or any injury to the machine by virtue of sudden changes in thickness.

,Still a further feature of the instant invention rfesides in the provision of a crimping machine arranged to heat treat articles passing through the machine to set the crimp at substantially the same time as the crimp is made in the material.-

Also an object of the invention is the provision of-a crimping machine using an endless belt arrangement as; an active crimping eleneat Wb h..a rans m nt. is soconstru e as to be self-guiding so as to automatically maintain its alignment.

Still another object of the instant invention is the provision of a crimping machine capable of handling bundles or mats of wet fibers, and simultaneously crimping and drying the wet fibers, thus taking advantage of steam to aid inthe setting of the crimps in the fibers in the event water is at least a part of the medium with which the fibers were wetted.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a crimping machine capable of handling bundles or mats of strands, as well as individual strands if so desired, and in a single operation provide both a vertical and lateral crimp or wave in the strands.

Still another feature of the instant invention resides in the provision of a crimping machine capable of simultaneously providing even and uniform double crimping of a strand or bundle of strands.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a crimping machine capable of handling fiber or other types of strands, either singly or in bundles or mats, and automatically maintaining an adequate tension upon the strands during the crimping operation.

A further object of the instant invention is the provision of a crimping machine which is simple in construction, highly durable, rapid in operation, and economical both to build and operate.

While some of the more salient features, characteristics and advantages of the instant invention have been above pointed out, others will become apparent from the following disclosures, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

' Figure 1 is a view in projection of a crimping machine embodying principles of the instant invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, somewhat diagrammatic in character, taken in the upper central portion of Figure 1 through the crimping wheel and adjacent idler rolls;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of another form of crimping machine embodying principles of the instant invention, this form of the machine being capable of providing a double wave or crimp in the strands or other material passing through the machine;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, somewhat diagrammatic in character. and similar in character to the showing of Figure 2, illustrating the arrangement of -the crimping roll and idler rolls in the structure of Figure 3;

Figure is a fragmentary plan view of a bundle of strands illustrating the double wave or crimp in the strands after they have passed through the structure of Figure 3; and

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a single strand taken from the bundle of Figure 5.

As shown on the drawings:

The first illustrated embodiment of the instant invention includes a fabricated frame structure embodying a base arrangement I, a series of uprights 2, a pair of spaced top rails 3-3 and end of rods 21. Similar outside-links 2s s. also prolie the end faces of the idler rolls and crimping wheel so that the endless chain arrangement is v in effect self-aligning, in that by its own conmembers 4-4. A superstructure is also provided y in the nature of a sub-frame 5 one end of which is pivoted as indicated at 8 to a bracket I con-1 nected to one of the end members I. Mounted on the opposite end member 4 is a stud 3 and a similar stud 9 depends from the adjacent and of the sub-frame 5. Engaged around both studs 3 and 9 is a coiled spring i0 which constantly urges the free end of thesub-frame upwardly.

Journaled substantially centrally of the structure in the top rails 3-3 is a wheel H having equally spaced rounded teeth l2 extending thereacross. Thus, the wheel Ii is substantially a relatively wide gear or sprocket wheel. The interior of the wheeiis hollow, as indicated at l3, although the hollow is closed at the ends of the wheels by. plates Ha. Inside the hollow i3 is a plurality of heating elements, and in the illustrated instant these heating elements H are electrical heating elements of the resistance type. The heating elements are disposed as closely to the circumscribing solid portion of the wheel as: possible so that the heat is transmitted to the outside of the wheel. The heating elements are connected in a known manner to a pair of contact rings i5 and it carried by one of the end plates I la. The circuit is established with the contact ring l5 by means of a brush I! which may be feasibly mounted upon the adjacentside rail. 3 of the frame construction, and in similar manner the contact ring i6 is engaged by a brush I8. It will be understood that suitable insulation is. used where necessary to prevent the heating circuit being grounded. Suitable conductors, as indicated diagrammatically in Figure 1 may ex-, tend from the respective brushes l1 and i8 to a convenient source of electrical energy.

Journaled between the top rails 3-3 on one side of the wheel H is an idler roll l9 preferably provided with a friction establishing cover 20, rubber being a satisfactory material. Another idler roll 2| is similarly journaled on the opposite side of the wheel II, and this other roll is likewise covered as indicated at 22. A thirdidler 'roll 23 also having a friction establishing cover 24 is journaled in notches 25 in the superstructure or sub-frame 5 as seen clearly in Figure 1, so that this upper roll is readily removable. Preferably, the upper roll 23 is positioned almostdirectly above the crimping wheel ll.

Trained over the idler rolls and crimping wheels is an endless chain crimping element generally 1 indicated by numeral 26. This endless chain element is made up of a series ofcross rods 21 1 spaced apart in keeping with the pitch of the teeth l2 on the Wheel ii, and of such diameter 1 as to seat well within the grooves between adjacent teeth. At the sides thereof the chain struction it is prevented from slipping axially along any of the rolls or the crimping wheel.

The crimping wheel Ii, acting as a sprocket wheel, drives the endless chain crimping element 26, and any suitable means either for manual operation or power operation 01' the machine may be provided. In the illustrated instance, the drive means are in the form of a handle 33 connected with the shaft of the crimping wheel II. In order to feed material to becrimped to the proper location between the endless chain 26 and the crimping wheel II, a suitable feed trough or chute 3| may beprovided, and preferably this trough is substantially the width of the respective rolls and crimping wheel. The crimped material exits from the machine near the low point of the idler roll 2i, such material then being on the outside of the endless chain, and any suitable means for gathering the crimped material may be provided.

In operation, a substantially fiat mat of fibers or strands may be fed along the trough 3|, and" the fibrous mat will pass. underneath the end less chain 26 as the chain turns around the under side of the idler roll: l3, and then enters between 1 the chain and the crimping wheel I i indicated by the diagrammatic strand showing 32 in Figure 2. As the fibers or strands pass over substantially the upper half of the crimping wheel, they are effectively crimped as clearly seen in Figure 2 in substantially even waves throughout'their length.

While being crimped and while-held'tightly in crimped position, the strands-are subjected to heat from the crimping wheel so'that the crimps are set in the strands or fibers. It will be understood that if only a relative few fibers or a single fiber is desired to be crlmped, the process is the same as for a mat offibers orv strands. The material being crimped becomes free to exit from the machine substantially at the point 33 in Figure 2, and, as stated above, any suitable gathering means may be employed.

In the event vegetable fibers are used, and in many cases such as the preparation of filter means for automotive air cleaners, such fiberswill be moist at the time of the crimping operation by virtue of the application of a fireproofing compound, and when moist, in the event the heat of the crimping wheel II is high enough. the crimps may be steamed into the fibers.

During the operation of the machine it will be noted that the endless chain will not become out of alignment 'but will faithfully retain its proper position in association with'the idler rolls 4 and crimping wheel. The coverings on the idler rolls aid in providing frictionalcontact for the chain toenhancethe driving of the chain by the crimping wheel. Further, it will beespecially noted that variances in thicknessof the material being crimped will be automatically compen-' sated for by the spring lt'so that no undue strain crimping element includes a series of insidelinks -by virtue of suddenly increased thicknesses is 28 each of which is pivotally connected to a pair. placed upon the machine. In addition, in normal operation with even thicknesses of material being crimped the crimping chain 26 is always held or maintained taut by yirtue of the spring ll acting against thesuperstructure or sub-frame 5. It is apparent that we have provided a machine not only possessing all of these advantages. but a machine that possesses the virtue of simplicity, is highly efficient. very durable, and economical to manufacture and use.

In many cases, especially in the provision of vegetable fiber filter elements forautomotive air cleaners, it is desirable'to augment the eiiiciency of the resultant filter element by providin an additional tortuous contour to the strands going to make up that element. Consequently, it many times may be desirable to double crimp or double wave the strands. In the present instance, such a double wave, which includes both a vertical undulation and a lateral undulation, may be provided in a single operation in that embodiment of our invention illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings.

This illustrated embodiment includes a frame assembly embodying a base portion 34 upon which a fabricated platform portion 35 may be provided, from which a fabricated superstructure 36 extends from the rearof the machine. It .will be understood that this frame structure embodies suitable bearing means in a well known manner to accommodate all shaft journals.

A prime mover 31 which may be in the form of an electric motor energized by way of a cable 38 leading to any suitable source of current, may be mounted in the lower portion of the frame structure. The shaft of this prime mover may carry a pulley (not shown in the draw ngs), from which a belt 39 may extend over a ,drive pulley end of the shaft 4! carries a worm 42 in mesh with the gear 43 on the Jower end of an upright shaft 44. This upright shaft 44 also carries a worm 45 in mesh with the gear 46 on the end of a shaft 41 which carries in interme iate portion a crimping wheel 48 provided with transverse crimping teeth 49 and suitable heating elements 5|! in the interior, the same as the crimping wheel l'l above-described.

As seen best in Figure 4, 'a pair of spaced idler rolls 5| and 52 are associated with the crimping wheel 48. These idler rolls are preferably surfaced with a friction establishing cover the same as the rolls l9 and 2i previously described in connection with the showing in Figures 1 and 2. Also as previously described, an endless chain 53 having cross bars 54 spaced to seat between the teeth 49 of the crimping wheel 48 is trained over the idler rolls 5| and 52 and aportion of the crimping wheel. These parts function in the manner previously described to provide a vertical substantially sine wave crimp in a strand 55 of material, as indicated at 56 in Figure 4.

Mechanism is added to the structure of Figures 3 and 4, however, to provide a lateral wave in a strand or bundle of strands in addition to the vertical wave 56, and provide that lateral wave at the same time that the vertical wave is provided so that the resultant strand is double waved or double crimped simultaneously. This mechanism includes a vertical shaft 51 iournaled by means of a pitman ll pivotally connected at one end to the arm II and selectively connected at the other end through any one of a somewhat spiral row of apertures ii in a plate or disk l2 carried on the upper end of the aforesaid upright shaft 44. Obviously, the sweep of the sub-frame may be varied as desired depending upon which of the apertures ii is selected for connection with the end of the pitman 50.

The vertical portion 59 of the sub-frame carries a pair of idler rolls 4: and 84 which function in the manner of the commonly known wringer rolls attached to washing machines. The upper roll 63 may be resiliently pressed down against the lower roll 64 by means of suitable springs 05 or in an equivalent manner. Thus, these rolls effectively and firmly grip a bundle or' mat 86 of strands as they pass through the machine. If, as is desired in'the manufacture of filter elements for automotive air cleaners, this bundle of strands has first beenpassed through a wet fireprooflng solution, the rolls 63 and 64 will tend to wring out some of the excess moisture carriedl It will also be noted,

by the bundle of strands. that these rolls maintain a tension upon the bundle of strands as it passes through the machine, that portion of the bundle between "the rolls and the point of engagement between the cross bars of the chain 53 and the crimping wheel 45 will be under tension at all times during the travel of the bundle or mat.

Preferably, the pivot shaft 51 is located directly above the initial point of' positive engagement between a cross bar 54 of the chain 53 and atooth of the crimping wheel 48, which point of engagement will be substantially beneath the upper idler roll 5| Thus, it will be noted that the strand bundle is pivoted sidewise about that point of engagement as a center.

In use, it will be seen that as the bundle 55 is fed through the machine, it-isprovided with a vertical wave or crimp as previously described, and as the carriage or sub-frame is swung or oscillated back and forth by the pitman 60, the

bundle is successively engaged by the crimping roll and the chain at different points along the lateral face of the roll. This alternate deviation from one side to the other of the bundle produces a lateral wave in the bundle of strands as indicated at il in Figure 5. This lateral wave is interspersed or interdigitated in the vertical wave. Provided the shaft 44 is driven in proper synchronism with the crimping wheel 48, there will be one lateral wave for" each vertical wave, but alternate lateral waves will be in the opposite direction. Preferably, the lateral waves are kept within the confines of the vertical waves, so that if a strand is separated from the bundle and looked at from the right or left-hand side of the showing in Figure 5, the strand will appear as seen in Figure 6 with merely a single undulation visible.

It will be noted that the sizes of the lateral waves may be varied as desired by merely connecting the end of the pitman to a selected one of the holes 5| in the plate 62. By connecting the pitman to a hole nearer the center of the plate, the lateral waves may be descreased in size, and vice versa. Thus, there is means provided for simultaneously producing both a vertical wave and a lateral wave, the latter being of a predetermined or desired amplitude.

It will be apparent that the machine illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 not only provides both crimps in a single operation, but also maintains the bundle under a desired tension during the crimp- 1 in tiomwss'well'ss wrinsimsoutzexcessm m isture from the This modification or 1 melee the invention all the advantages of the previously described modification, including sim- 1 plicity, eillciency, durability, and economy:

' .It will, of course. be-understood-that variousdetails of construction may be varied through a 1 wide range without departing from the principles In -ar nip ns rlm n lel ments arranged to crimp material passing th'erebetween, holding means to maintain the material under tension as itenters between said-elements,

. and means to osclllates'aid holding means transversely to provide lateral waves in the material.

6. -In a crinipingmachine, complemental elements arranged to crimp material passing thereof this invention-and it, is, therefore, not the" .1 purpose to limit the patent granted hereon otherwise than necessitated by the scope or the appended claims;

We claim as our invention:

'1. In a crimping machine, a i'ramea-a toothed wheel journaled in said frame, an idler roll on each-side oi said wheel, an endless crimping chain including transversely extending rods spaced in accordance with the pitch of the teeth on said wheel, said crimping chain passing sinuou'sly 1 over said idler rolls and said-wheel, a super-- strucmre pivoted tosaid frame, an idler-roll 1 carried by said superstructure and over which said crimping chain is also trained, resilient 1 means ur in Said superstructure upwardly away from said wheel to yieldably maintain said chain taut, feed means to guide material to be crimped between said'chain and said wheel, and means to 1 drive said wheel.

2. In a crimping machine capable of crimping 1 wet material, complemental crimpin elements 1 between which the material passes, a pivotal car- 1 riage in advance of said crimping elements, means 1 on said carriage to grip the work material as it 1 passes-toward the crimping elements, and means for swinging said carriage and said-gripping means laterally back and forth to cause a lateral wave aswell as a vertical wave to be formed in the material.

3. In a crimping machine capable of crimping wetmaterial, complemental crimping elements between which the materialpasses, a pivotal carriage in advance of said crimping elements, means on said carriage to grip the work materialas it passes toward the crimping elements, andmeans for swinging said carriage and said gripping means laterallyback and forth to cause a ilateral wave as well as a; verticalwave' to be formed in the material, said carriage pivoting about a center in alignment with the point of contact between the crimping elements to oscillate the material about that point as a center.

4. In a crimping machine, complemental elements arranged to applya-vertically undulating -crimp in an elongated strand of material, means to oscillate the strand back and forth as it enters between said elements to cause lateral undulations to be formed in the strand, and means to gauge the amplitude of the lateral undulations.

between, holding means to maintainthe material under tension as it enters between said elements, and means to oscillate said holding means transversely to provide lateral waves in the material, and adjustable driving connections for said means to selectively determine the amplitude of the lateral waves.v

material passing therebetween, and provide vertical undulations in the-material, and transverselyoscillatable means in advance oi said elements to engage the material and shift it laterally to cause.

said elements to provide lateral undulations in the material.

9. In a crimping machine, complemental elements positioned adjacent each other to crimp material passing therebetween, and provide vertical undulations in the material, and transversely oscillatable means in advance of said elements to engage the material and shift it laterally-to cause said elements to provide lateral undulations in.

the material, said 0sciilatable .means being positioned to swing the material laterally about the point of contact between said elements as a center. u g

, wmnm H. BROWNE. wean a. LINDEMANN. am nasivcss cusp 'lhe following references are of record in the fileof this patent:

- omen STATES-PATENTS Date Number Name 248,811 ylor Oct. 2d, 1881 250,402 tephens Dec. 1881 Moses W- a, "Nov. 16, 1909 1,005,764 Anderson 1 Oct. 10, 1911 1,749,342 Hazen Mar.4,1930

2,048,586 'Kronheim June 9, 1936 2,326,174 Rutishauser Aug. 10, 19 43 

